Has the geneticsUnlike their southern brethren, the Buckeyes typically don't use their full allotment of schollies when signing a a new class, preferring to hold one or two to reward a walk-on that has put in hard work on the practice field.
In a slight variation to this, Jim Tressel and staff have offered a scholarship to running back Adam Griffin of St. Francis DeSales in Columbus, making him the 19th member of the class. A smallish (5-9/185) running back, Griffin helped lead the Stallions to the 2009 state championship game on the way to earning all-district honors. He's also a hero in the classroom, earning offers from all three service academies.
Perhaps most importantly, however, Adam is the son of the President and CEO of Ohio State University Alumni Association, or the guy we fondly remember as being the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy.
Tressel on the newest Buckeye:
“Adam Griffin has a passion to be an Ohio State Buckeye. He will add a great deal to our football family on the field, in the locker room and on our campus. Adam clearly understands the privilege of being an Ohio State Buckeye.”
Welcome to the club, Adam. Make pops proud.
Updated: Now with highlights.
Comments
Wow there's a welcome surprise! Best of luck to the new Griffin! Ok, I think we are set at running back. I think we've got a pair and six spares now?
Not to be snarky, but is this a legit schollie offer or a favor to Archie?
The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle.
Who knows whats up with this. Dont care that we gave a scholorship to an OSU legend's son but he isnt his daddy. We'll see what happens here but with surplus we have a RB he better be his daddy if he wants to play any. red shirt to gain some size, we'll see him next year
I don't know the level of competition he faced, and he only has two stars on Rivals, but he certainly looks legit in his highlight video.
DeSales plays in DII. Some tough comp here and there, but not quite the level of DI, obvs.
Furthermore what does this mean in the context of the Seantrel Henderson situation?
The staff wanted to sign 20 and had 18, meaning they had 2 scholarships left....we told you Tressel said they wouldn't be signing another DB (aka Latwan Anderson), leaving this one spot open for Seantrel
And if Seantrel goes elsewhere, Bollman's second-cousin's son is getting an offer.
He probably was offered by other schools, and Archie could probably afford to pay his tuition if he were a walk on. They may ave offered him late just because they had an open scholarship and he is Archie's kid, but I doubt they'd add him jsut because of that. He has to be able to play some.
Tressel being accused of nepotism or cronyism in personnel matters? I am shocked!
what if they stick him at DB?
tressel has seen the writing on the wall, if usc gets a stomach punch from the NCAA....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
If it anyone elses' son I'd cry foul but it's Archie Shittin Griffin, who has given more to the OSU program than anyone else, Woody and Tress included, so I'll say congrats to young Adam and welcome to the fold.
I love the offer. First of all the service academies offered this kid so he will come to OSU and will graduate. How many of these other recruits are 100% to graduate and stay out of trouble. Second he showed quit a bit of shake on that highlight film. I'm less exceited about the RB, he's like 12th on the depth chart. Somewhat excited on the DB part, tOSU can always use another corner. I'm most excited about the Kick Returner possiblities. The Bucks need to get the KR game going now that small is gone.
This Seantrel saga is reminding me a bit of Derek Morris, couldn't make up his mind, parents were in the media constantly and were "moving" to where ever their son end up.
this is good on all fronts... you know how this story ends 2014 he destroys scum with 318 yards in his last game at the shoe... nice
Would love to see him win a Heisman and MNC.
I was thinking they would probably stick him at DB as well. But 4.5 40-yard speed may be a bit too slow for corner. I think Malcolm was considered a "slow corner" and he was like in the 4.4's if I'm not mistaken.
Doubtful. Bollman, or his second-cousin, didn't win a Heisman.
Congrats. I believe I speak for many when I say it'll be good to see a Griffin back in a scarlet and gray uniform. Think Archie will let him wear 45?
Apparently I am mistaken. Malcolm ran between a 4.52 and 4.58, so if the 4.5 40-yard dash speed is accurate it could certainly be fast enough for corner at the college level.
Actually, DeSales had dropped to DIII this past year where the lost in the State Championship to Cardinal Mooney. But they definitely played a DI caliber schedule with games against Elder, Anderson and a few other DI schools.
looked like a good high school player but not a 5 star. Has more potential than ability right now. Give him a couple years in a college program and I think he will be able to do something amazing. To bad at this stage he is buried behind young backs but things can change in a few yrs. Very excited to have him...
and no I would love to see him at RB and not DB even if I do have to wait a few yrs.
tress has consistently picked up legacy guys, some good some not so good,
Stan White, Dionte Johnson, Curt Lukens, Shaun Lane, Grant Schwartz, Duron Carter, and Now Adam Griffin, that's 8 legacy guys in 10 classes, some are reaches, (Johnson, Schwartz and likely Griffin), some more bonafide (White, Carter), and some just have bad luck, (Lane, Lukens). If the kid can play special teams like Lane and contribute like Johnson, he is not a wasted schollie.
That first run in the clip sure did remind me of Archie. Although, with our stable of Jose running backs for the next 3 or 4 years I look for Adam G to be a DB, most likely a safety because of his frame. Whatever, you just know the kid's gonna work his ass off and crack into the starting line-up wherever or whenever.
YES YES A THOUSAND TIMES YES
i dont know what the rules are on that type of situation, but seeing a griffin 45 would be outrageously cool.
Or he just disappears into the background and you forget all about him until you look at the roster in the program, which is what is going to happen. Nepotism State University. Archie won this kid's scholarship in the 70s.
Generally, I'm not a huge fan of nepotism and get what you're saying, but I think if it's ever going to be used, Archie's boy is the right play. For all he's given the university through the years, he's earned it.
there is another scholarship fund though for the children of former players. could have dipped into that, kept him off the football team's books, and either had another opportunity to reward a walk-on or an extra scholly for next year.
Yep, love the fact that the service academies offered him. Welcome aboard, young Mr. Griffin.
I second the Griffin 45. If they could bring it back for the Big Kat, they can bring it back for Archie's boy.
Not to mention Taylor Graham.
What a great decision by the Buckeyes football team. This is positive is many ways. It makes dad proud. He becomes a focal point uniting the old and the new. Fans will go nutts if he wears 45 - (big sales dollars for osu) and go crazy if he has a decent career. The kid will bleed scarlet and gray more so than Carters kid. Carters kid may be talented but bad grades does not a buckeye make.
I think that Archie would approve.
I don't really mind this offer. I'm a lot more OK with nepotism when it comes to an 85 man roster. It really pisses me off on a 6 or 7 man coaching staff.
Didn't Archie already have a son play for OSU? I seem to remember the game when they retired Archie's number, and towards the end of the game, Cooper let Archie's son run the ball. (Say whay you want about Coop's record, he was a class act.)
The kid damn near scored, too.
Just looked it up, you're right. Andre Griffin played for the Buckeyes from 98-01
Just read on mlive.com that texas is in negotiations with the big ten to be the possible addition to twelve teams. Sorry, not sure how to attach a link.
http://www.mlive.com/sports/in...
Here ya go...
WOW, Nevermind, I should have read a little bit further down the blog. Sorry Guys, It must be this michigan water Im drinking. LOL
We have an interview with Adam we're going to post tomorrow around 1 where I ask him that question....guess you guys are going to have to come back and see for yourselfs!
FAIL....yourselves
Adam must have been the "oops" baby.
+1 Anyway the kid looks like he can ball. I'll bet he's every bit as good as Jordan Hall.
As far as him at DB, where we will be thin in a few seasons, he could be a great fit there. Remember that Archie played with his brother, Ray Griffin, who was a very good safety for the Bucks, therefore he could probably make the transition to DB pretty well, especially as Ray ended up with the longer NFL career than Archie (although the Bungles being the Bungles, no surprise they couldn't take advantage of Archie)
Nice! He looks like the French RB from Oregon Ducks, Lamichael James.
Actually, Andre is Archie's son from his first marriage....Adam is from his second marriage.
The thing you have to realize is griffin played in an option system with split carries due to the offense. Not a lot of mileage on the kid. Of course he is a very talented player with great potential. This will be interesting in years to come